Wed 30Jan to Fri 8Feb 2013

S Korea in new attempt at satellite launch

South Korea implements a no fly, no sail zone during its third attempt to launch a satellite into space from its own soil.

The launch was originally scheduled for October 26 and later for November 29 but had to be postponed due to a last-minute technical glitch. South Korean space agency engineers reportedly found a gas leak in the link between the two-stage rocket and the launch pad just hours before the planned lift-off.

According to the country's National Disaster and Risk Reduction Management Council (NDRRMC), debris from the launch could possibly land on the regions of Isabela, Palanan, Samar and Surigao. Such fear has led to the country to declare no fly no sail zone during the launch.

During the country's first attempt to launch the satellite in 2009, technical problems prevented the Korea Space Launch Vehicle (KSLV-1) from being deployed. A year later, the rocket exploded in mid-flight, causing a second failed launch.

Should South Korea be successful upon its fourth attempt, it will join China, India and Japan on the short list of Asian countries with operating space programs.